Microsoft Corp, and China's No. 2 personal computer maker signed an agreement today to pre-install Microsoft's Windows operating system in PCs in a move to combat widespread Chinese product piracy.

The agreement with Founder Technology Group Corp shows "the commitment of both companies to protect intellectual property rights" and promote the growth of China's information technology market, the companies said in a joint statement.

Founder will also sell Microsoft keyboards, Webcams and other hardware in more than 500 stores across China, the companies said.

Microsoft suffers from widespread piracy of its software in China and has been pursing tie-ups with Chinese equipment makers to discourage use of unlicensed copies of its products.

In March, Microsoft and China's biggest personal computer maker, Lenovo Group, agreed to pre-load Microsoft Corp.'s tool bar and Web search software on its computers.

Lenovo, the world's third-largest PC maker, was to load Microsoft's Windows Live on laptop and desktop computers, the companies said at the time.

The package included Microsoft's search service Live Search, which could help the Redmond, Washington-based company compete with search leader Google Inc for traffic.

(Shanghai Daily November 7, 2007)